ROCKLAND, Maine — Nearly a year after the Penobscot Bay YMCA began running the Rockland recreation programs, both parties say it has been a success.
Acting City Manager Audra Caler Bell and YMCA Chief Executive Officer Troy Curtis met last week to review the first year of operations.
“We both agreed that the partnership between the YMCA and City has been very successful to date and has resulted in significantly improved recreational opportunities for children and youth before,” Caler Bell stated Monday in her weekly manager’s report. “Moving forward there are going to be even more opportunities to broaden our partnership and expand the recreation and lifestyle programs available to Rockland’s residents.”
Under terms of the agreement signed by the city and YMCA last year, children from kindergarten through eighth grade could use the recreation center at no charge. But a recent generous donation by an individual now allows all high school-aged youth in the community to also participate in programs for free, Curtis said Monday.
Currently, there are 142 free youth memberships from Rockland residents and he said he would project that number would double with the recent donation.
The city council and YMCA signed the agreement last year, which runs for three years and includes an option to extend it for an additional two years through June 30, 2020, if both parties agree. The city paid the YMCA $84,000 for the first partial year of operations, while in the second year the annual payment for a full 12 months will be $130,000. The city is responsible for maintenance and utilities at the building.
Curtis said that the recreation center at the community building reopened last week after being closed for the summer. The center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
In addition to the basketball court, there is a youth center in the building that includes ping pong tables and video games.
Curtis said the YMCA also is running the fall youth soccer program, for which registration is now being taken. Youngsters can register online, at the community building or at the Rockland Harbor YMCA facility on the waterfront, he said.
Other programs offered include youth gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, art and yoga. The YMCA also operates programs on the athletic fields owned by the city.
Caler Bell said there is a misconception that the community building cannot be used by any other community group when the YMCA is operating the facility. She said community groups can use the building if there is not a conflict with YMCA programming. Organizations wanting to use the building when the YMCA does not have it open can contact the city to see if the use can occur.